CVE-2023-3545 : What You Need to Know

This CVE details a security vulnerability in Chamilo LMS <= v1.11.20 on Windows and Apache installations, allowing unauthenticated attackers to bypass file upload security protections and gain remote code execution by uploading a

.htaccess

file. The vulnerability is related to improper sanitization in

main/inc/lib/fileUpload.lib.php

.

Understanding CVE-2023-3545

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-3545 vulnerability affecting Chamilo LMS.

What is CVE-2023-3545?

The CVE-2023-3545 vulnerability in Chamilo LMS allows unauthenticated attackers to circumvent file upload security measures and execute remote code by uploading a

.htaccess

file. This flaw presents a critical risk as it could be utilized by attackers to compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3545

The impact of CVE-2023-3545 is severe, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (Critical). Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to achieve remote code execution, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise. The exploitation of this security flaw could result in significant damage to the target systems and data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3545

Here, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3545 to understand its implications better.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper sanitization in the

main/inc/lib/fileUpload.lib.php

file in Chamilo LMS versions <= 1.11.20 on Windows and Apache installations. Attackers can abuse this flaw to bypass file upload security controls and execute remote code by uploading malicious

.htaccess

files.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system includes Chamilo LMS versions up to and including 1.11.20 running on Windows platforms. Users of these systems are at risk of exploitation by unauthenticated attackers aiming to compromise system integrity through remote code execution.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the improper sanitization of file uploads in Chamilo LMS, attackers can evade security measures and upload a malicious

.htaccess

file to achieve remote code execution. This vulnerability poses a severe threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-3545 and enhance the security posture of Chamilo LMS installations, proactive measures need to be adopted to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the patch provided by Chamilo LMS to remediate the security flaw promptly.
Implement strict file upload restrictions and validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized uploads.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Chamilo LMS to the latest secure versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address potential security weaknesses proactively.
Educate system administrators and users on security best practices to foster a security-conscious environment.

Patching and Updates

It's crucial for users of Chamilo LMS to apply the patch released by the vendor to fix the vulnerability. The patch includes security enhancements to prevent unauthorized execution of arbitrary code via file uploads. Moreover, staying informed about security updates and implementing patches promptly is essential to safeguard systems from potential threats.

By following these mitigation strategies and staying vigilant against security risks, organizations can fortify their Chamilo LMS deployments against threats posed by CVE-2023-3545.